I enjoy collecting banknotes, coins, stamps and antique items. I just the ordinary person like you that want to share my little experience and collections.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

United States one-dollar bill

The United States one-dollar bill ($1) is the most common denomination of US currency. The first president, George Washington, painted by Gilbert Stuart, is currently featured on the obverse, while the Great Seal of the United States is featured on the reverse. The one-dollar bill has the second oldest design of all U.S. currency currently being produced, after the two-dollar bill. The obverse seen today debuted in 1963 when the $1 bill first became a Federal Reserve Note.

The inclusion of "In God We Trust" on all currency was required by law in 1955. The national motto first appeared on paper money in 1957.

An individual dollar bill is also less formally known as a one, a single or a bone.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing says the average life of a $1 bill in circulation is 21 months before it is replaced due to wear. Approximately 45% of all U.S. currency produced today are one-dollar bills.